Illinois Institute of Technology Top Questions

still in college

In the classroom, I have not delved deeply into my major yet, but outside the classroom I have gained two years of research experience that has allowed me to realize what biomedical engineering really is. My research experience has encouraged me to continue with my major and to pursue a higher degree. Because this is such a small school, I have been able to develop relationships not only with fellow students, but more importantly many of my professors. This has helped me gain confidence in asking questions and approaching a professor any time that I have a concern. Besides that I have been a part of several organizations that has allowed me to meet people and gain leadership experience. Besides preparing me professionally, college has given me the opportunity to befirend individuals from all over the world from countries such as Nigeria, India, Macedonia, Korea, Bulgaria, Bolivia, and many more. These valuable friendships have given a wider perspective on the world without me having to leave the country. Although stressful at times, college has given me the opportunity to indulge myself in new experiences socially, academically, and professionally.

During my first year of college, I have found a lot about myself. I realized how much effort and motivation one must have in order to succeed in a difficult school. Once I find a job after graduation, I will work extremely hard because I know it will pay off in the end. IIT is a very diverse school; through my first year I found it easy to connect with a variety of people, no matter where they came from or what their beliefs are. I feel because I attended this school I got to learn a lot about different cultures and ways of life. I still have three years left to experience, and everyday I go to school with a new outlook on life.

I have really gotten a good idea of what it means to be independent and taking control of my own life and making the right decisions for myself. I have been able to manage my finances and keep an accurate budget making sure I have enough money for school and other personal expenses. I have gained leadership experience by being a part of vairious school organizations and also made new friends.

Aside from the obvious benefits a college experience can give you, such as life long friends and discovering who you are; college has provided something special for me. After highschool I entered into the restaurant industry and eventually became a manager. The allure of a decent salary without having to go to school was for me the perfect solution, or so I thought. Flashforward a few years and after working every holiday, 80+ hour weeks, and being physically and mentally exhausted; my girlfriend told me we were pregnant. One month later the restaurant I was running closed down, and 3 weeks later the engine in my car quit. I was looking at a worse case senario, and I new something had to change. I enrolled in school while working fulltime, and attacked it making a 4.0. I then realized what a college education provides. SECURITY. When i lost it all I had nothing to fall back on. No skills, no college education. I realized that with an education you provide yourself and family security. So that you will have a better job, that you're more valuable in the work place, and that the opportunities available are obtainable .

My college experience has taught me a lot about how the world works. I am pursuing a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Throughout my course work, I have learned not only math, physics, and science, but also many life lessons. I have experienced complete failure when I was required to retake Calculus Two. I have also experienced great success when I was awarded an internship at the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. There is no doubt that the things I have learned thrgouhout my college experience will propel me to a rewarding career and life ahead.

I have gained abilities more through my extracirricular involvement and work experience. It has been valuable to attend because it helped me to learn more in depth what exactly I want out of my life. If students are more technically oriented and don't mind the course load then the school would be a good fit for them. This is not a place to go to if students aren't sure what they want to do with their degree, and if they need a lot of feedback from their professors.

From just my freshman year at college, I have started learning and exercising skills on teambuilding, leadership, and have learned how to really step up and take charge with getting stuff done. I have become a much more independant individual than i was previously; which has improved my productivity enourmously. I have learned to live and work with others whom i did not know until very suddenly. If I did not go to college I would have lost out on many opportunities to work with and learn from some of the brightest and most active researchers in the physics field, as well as many opportunities for meeting new people and making new friends. Some of the best learning experiences have not even been from a class room, but just from living on my own, and getting by in a new place.

Going to college didn't only allow me to learn about my chosen major, it allowed me to learn about myself. I know that who I am is sufficient and worthy. In high school, I wasn't confident and didn't understand where or how I belonged in the world. Now though, I know that I belong however I want in the world. I make my own destiny and no one can stop me from doing what I am determined to do. College showed me that you can't belong in the world by simply existing. Belonging in the world is about participation! Knowing that you want something and and doing it, not hesitating, is what makes you fell like a part of something. I am glad I went to college and learned this. I hope I can hold onto this knowledge and apply it to my life.

I have gotten a lot of respect from my peers and a lot of knowledge. I dont think i would have been able to learn as much as i have anywhere else. This school has taught me to be compedetive but at the same time helpful to my peers. I have gaine a lot of knowledge of my profession, and a lot of friendships. IIT has also taught me to stand on my own two feet.